Top High Schools in Illinois

Illinois has a highly stratified education system — elite suburban high schools in the Chicago metro routinely rank among the best in the nation, while Chicago Public Schools and downstate rural schools face significant resource challenges.

New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Consistently ranked as the top public high school in Illinois and among the top 10 in the US — New Trier serves the affluent North Shore suburbs. The school has 4,000 students, 300+ course offerings, 19 AP courses, exceptional arts facilities, and a strong college placement record. Alumni include Donald Rumsfeld, Ann-Margret, and Rahm Emanuel.

Stevenson High School (Lincolnshire)
Another elite northern suburban school — Adlai E. Stevenson HS is known for its Advanced Placement program (the largest AP program in Illinois) and its innovation in education (Principal Richard DuFour developed the Professional Learning Communities model, now used in schools nationwide).

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (Aurora)
A state-funded residential school for gifted students in STEM — IMSA accepts approximately 650 students per year from across Illinois through competitive application. The school's academic intensity and STEM focus (students conduct original research in faculty-mentored laboratories) make it one of the finest specialized high schools in the US. Alumni include 3 MacArthur Fellows and multiple governors.

Walter Payton College Prep (Chicago)
The top selective-enrollment high school in Chicago Public Schools — one of 11 selective magnet schools in Chicago. Payton consistently leads Illinois in NMSF semifinalists among public schools. The school's location in Lincoln Park gives access to numerous internship and enrichment opportunities.

Latin School of Chicago and Chicago Lab School
The top private schools in Chicago proper — the University of Chicago Lab School has an extraordinary pedigree (John Dewey founded it in 1896; Barack Obama's daughters attended).